Friday, April 6, 2012

Use It or Lose It: Singer 319W

I'm up to machine #8 in the inventory of sewing machines in my collection. This is a c.1954 Singer 319W. I thrifted this machine long, long ago and far away, but it needed re-wiring and I just never got around to it - until now. The 319W was one of Singer's first "swing needle" or zig-zag machines ever made. It was equipped with 5 built-in specialty and decorative stitches, each engaged by flipping up a lever on top of the machine near the handwheel.

The 319W also has a 6th lever, which along with a knob on the front of the machine allows for the use of cams (Fashion Disks) to create additional stitch patterns. Although were originally 30 Fashion Disks available, I only have 8 of them.

This machine was in an old, broken down cabinet which I trashed after thrifting this machine. The previous owner had re-wired the machine to get it into the cabinet, and there were exposed wires sticking out all over the place. So, first order of business was repairing and correctly wiring the machine which we did a few days ago.

And it sews! I tested out all of the built-in stitches in the 319W. Looks pretty good, but I really had to fiddle with the thread tension. A lot. Ugh, I had a feeling this might happen, because this is what the bobbin case looked like:

This machine takes a very odd needle size, a 206 X 13 instead of the most common 15 X1 needles. The 206 X 13 is a shorter needle, and if you place the 15 X 1 in the machine, not only will it make a really crappy excuse for a stitch, but the needle may hit the bobbin case causing it to crack or bend. Which, obviously, someone has done here. So, second order of business was to order a new bobbin case.

And now it sews MUCH better! Here are stitches from some of the Fashion Disks I've collected. Not too shabby, and an ingenious way to create extra stitches for a machine. If you want more decorative stitches, buy more cams!

I think this is one of those machines that people either love or hate. Looking around, I saw some reviews on the Singer 319W that called it loud and clunky. But seriously, this machine runs quieter than the many other vintage machines, and makes just the smoothest stitches ever! Makes me wonder if those nay-sayers weren't using the wrong sized needle with their 319W's. I'm definitely loving this machine, and it is definitely a keeper. In fact, I have a cabinet from a broken down Pfaff 130 that only needs a few minor adjustments for the 319W to pop right in. Yay!

Thanks everyone for your comments! Donna, thankfully I found a copy of the manual which lists the needle size. Michelle, I bought the needles years ago through a seller on e-bay, I'd suggest looking there.

i'm helping my grandmother in law clean out her spare bedroom, and we found her old Sing 319 W, its been collecting dust in its table since 1958, she forgot all about it until we found it, it works perfect, i'm not sure on the date it was made, she remembers buying it brand new Aug, 1956, she said they moved in 58 to Japan cause her husband was stationed over there and it went into storage, when they moved home to America, it became a night stand and a tv table and been ever since. I plugged it in today after cleaning off so much dust workes perfect, belt seems to have tiny cracks from old age most likely, but it looks brand new under the table top. i know she said she plans on using it now, but we were trying to figure out if anyone could tell me ruffly how much it is worth

Hi there Thomas Allen! That is a great find from your Grandmother in law. It is very difficult to put a price on a machine, especially without seeing it in person and sewing on it. There are many variables that go into pricing a vintage machine, such as overall condition of the machine, condition of the original case or cabinet for the machine, what original accessories still remain, etc. Sometimes I look online to see what similar machines have SOLD for as a good measure. Be careful, many people PRICE machines to sell online very high. Just because you see a similar machine listed for a high price does not mean that anyone would actually pay that amount, or that the machine is really worth it. Good luck!

I have a 319 W that runs fantastic! I call it the Sherman tank of sewing machines because it will sew through almost anything.

Your comments about the bobbin case are very accurate. If the standard needles lengths are used, the bobbin case will get all dinged up and the machine won't work very well. My bobbin case works but has a few dings.

Hi John, nice to hear from you! Yes, this machine is like a tank, isn't it? I bought the replacement bobbin case through this online shop, and I'm including a link right to the page of replacement bobbin cases. I've been using this online shop for replacement Singer parts for many years with great results. Good luck with your 319 and happy stitching!

What is the largest size needle made for this machine. I want to sew leather with it, but haven't been about to find a needle larger than a #16. The manual says to use a #19 or #21 needle for leather. Help?

Hi Stogie, there were more sizes available when the machine was new, but since that time this size of needle has become obsolete, and there is a very limited choice for what you may still find available. So, although you'd love to find a size larger than a 16, I'm not sure there are any still out there to find. Have you tried searching online to see if there is anyone selling old stock? That may be your last chance.

I have had luck finding needles for my 319W at sewing machine shops that have been in the same place for a good while...they often have old parts in the back. I have size 12, 14, and 16 needles for my machine. The 319 is a lovely machine to use mine is green and I bought it at the thrift for about $23 probably 5 years ago.

I just bought this machine at a yard sale and there is no book, is anyone willing to scan me a copy of theirs if they have one? I am hoping I didnt waste my money on something that does not work.... :)But I am thinking if I understood it better maybe I could get it adjusted and be very happy with it! hoping...thank you!

Sam, you can find an original scanned, downloadable manual at ISMACS right here: http://www.ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/manuals/singer-sewing-machine-manuals.html Just click on your model (it is actually listed as the 319K, same model made overseas). Make sure you are using the correct size needles for this machine, standard sized Singer needles are too long and can damage the machine if you try and sew with them. Good luck!

I just picked up one of these and am super duper excited to have a vintage that does zigzag, but... the machine came with all the wrong sized needles!! The bobbin case looks fine, but I do see a few scratches on the hook that spins.

Do you know a way I can tell if the previous owner had the timing changed on it?

I am ordering the correct needles and waiting until then to try it out. The sample stitches she gave me looked OK, but I noticed a lot of loose threads or zigs that weren't formed perfect.

Hey there Anonymous, congrats on finding an awesome 319W! It is possible that the wrong sized needles are what caused the dings on the bobbin case and the funky stitching. Why not wait until the right sized needles show up and see how she sews with those? Best of luck!

I have a 319W and took it out the other day. Sewed a couple of pairs of fleece socks and a fleece dog sweater and was very pleased with how the machine was running.

I then started reading the manual and playing with different feet. I learned how to machine hem- something I've never done.

Everything went sour when I decided to use the ruffler; another presser foot that I've never used. I couldn't get it to work and what's worse, now the thread won't catch the bobbin thread, so no stitches are formed when I try to sew.

I do know that my machine was retimed for regular needles, which is what I was using. They worked fine at first and now nothing. Any advice?

Hi anna, let's see if we can figure this out. My first thought on the ruffler is making sure that it was attached to the machine correctly, with the opening on the arm slipped over the screw on the needle bar. If it wasn't quite on the right way, it wouldn't work correctly.

I'm also thinking if the machine was re-timed (meaning the needle bar was moved from the original position in order to facilitate the needle meeting the hook under the machine at the right time to form a stitch), the ruffler may not work correctly anymore since it relies on the correct movement of the needle bar to help create the ruffles as the machine stitches.

It sounds like the machine was knocked out of time, which may have happened if the needle bar hit the ruffler when you were trying to use it. You may need to have it serviced and re-timed.

There are original needles still available for this model, which you can find by doing an internet search for the correct type/size of needle. I do know that it has been common practice to re-time this machine in order to use standard needles, but my personal feeling is that this model works best when using the original recommended needles and is timed as such. In this way, all accessories work normally in conjunction with the machine, and there's no chance of having an "uh-oh" moment like this one.

Thank you- it now doesn't work with any of the presser feet so I'm thinking that it was indeed knocked out of time. I bought this at an estate sale and the original owner was kind enough to make notes in the manual about when it was retimed. 1991- it was probably very hard to find the needles then in Tennessee, as this was before the internet was really happening. I would prefer it to be original, but since it was running well, didn't bother to have it serviced.

Is it possible that it was knocked back to the original timing? And is it possible to retime it myself?

Erika-I just inspected it again, trying to see if I could figure our how to retime it. What I realized was that there was something that looked like a rock stuck in the needle bar. It originally looked like it was part of the metal machinery, but when I pried it out, the machine worked perfectly again! Hooray! It's a real green machine now!

Hey Anna, that is great news! I love the ruffler, it's one of my very favorite accessories on the sewing machine. I used it a lot to add ruffles to kitchen aprons. Happy stitching with your vintage Singer!-Erika

I've had one of these for years, and it does work great! I "borrowed" it from my mom... what I would like to find is the blind hem stitch cam...I have most of the others, but that one would be oh so useful!

I have a singer 319w with all the "cams", what I think they are (black shaped disks-30) Ruffler, a green singer box with screw drivers in it, original book, and more. It is in great condition-looks just like your picture. It runs great, as my husband (an electrician) just checked it out and it runs perfect. It has the light with bulb, other attachments I don't know what they are, and it is in a wooden case that opens that it is good condition.Can someone please help me with an approximate value? I don't know how and don't like to sew.Any help would be appreciated.regcade@hotmail.com

I am looking to sell my singer319w with all cams, toolbox, ?ruffle?, other attachments. Looks exactly like the picture shown. It is in a brown sewing cabinet good condition.Any help www regcade@hotmail.com.Thank you.

Hi Regina, you can start by checking out this article, How Much Is My Old Sewing Machine Worth? to find many links to help you research your machine: http://sewsitall.blogspot.com/2013/08/how-much-is-my-old-sewing-machine-worth.html

While I can't help you personally with finding a value for your machine, the article above has lots of information to help you research to find a value on your own. Best of luck to you!

I just got one and i am new to sowing machines overall, i would love it if you could make a video and cover the basics on this machine 319w. I tried it and it seems to have an issue with the fabric moving, i don't know tha name of the part, but would like to know if you have an idea of what the problem might be, your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Hi Nancy, congrats on your newly acquired Singer 319W! You can check the manual for threading instructions, and to make sure you have the bobbin threaded and inserted the right way in the machine. The feed dogs are responsible for moving the fabric forward, and it may be as simple as having the stitch length set at a very small stitch. Try playing with the stitch length knob to see if that helps with the feed dogs.

Thank you so much for all this information! I inherited this same make of machine from my grandmother and I use it weekly, I absolutely adore it! Do you know where I can find some more bobbins? I've bought some on ebay that say they will fit and they work fine for sewing but I can't use them in the bobbin winder, they are a bit too narrow :( I've only got five original bobbins and I find myself having to take thread off all the time to change thread color.

Thanks for any info you can give me! bless you and what a lovely machine! :) Julia

Hi Julia Chennault, thanks so much for visiting my blog! I have ordered bobbins for vintage machines from April 1930's Sewing Shoppe in the past, here is the link: http://april1930s.com/. You might try there. Best of luck to you, and happy stitching! - Erika

So great to see this machine!! I learned to sew on this machine, and really didn't appreciate just how special it was. I guess that I imagined that *all* sewing machines had little levers and disks that could sew so many stitch patterns ... duh! We had the whole set of 30 cams, and my mother loved to use them. When I was in grade three she made me a red folk-dancing skirt for a school concert, using gold thread and many rows of all the different patterns - *so* special! Even many years later, when my mother had access to a dozen modern machines (she produced custom draperies and upholstery), she would return to the little black machine for some tasks. Sorry now not to have it ... Funny addiction, sewing machines, they're like chips - can't have just one :-). Thanks so much for sharing your collection and expertise online!

My Dad bought Mom this machine in 1954. Singer gave classes back then to new machine buyers and I got to go with her to class. The machine was in a cherry wood desk. She loved this machine. She died in 1990. I have the desk and also the motor and would like to restore them. While I was gone out of town one time, someone, a distant relative, came and ripped the machine out of the desk and took the motor. Could you point me in the right direction for finding a motor and also the hinges that fit on the machine that places it in the desk/cabinet?My e-mail is scynthia255@yahoo.com

Hello there Anonymous. I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to your machine, that is so sad. I’ve never had to replace the motor on that machine, or to find replacement hinges for a cabinet, so I don’t know where to point you. I would start with either an internet search or finding a sewing machine repair person in your town who maybe can help. Best of luck,Erika

I just received my 319w yesterday. It is a black model and arrived with a wood base in a trapezoid case. After cleaning and oiling, I gave it a test run, with a 206x13 needle. It is wonderful! It made the straight and decorative stitches perfectly. The bobbin case was dinged, but not enough to interfere with the stitching. Meanwhile, a new one is on the way.

I was thrilled and surprised when I open the parts box to discover an original twin needle!! It also came with plenty of good size 16 needles, which I cannot find anywhere. I have ordered enough size 14 needles to last a long time. I wonder if the seller either did not know what he had, or did not know how difficult (impossible?) it is to find size 16 and twin needles for this machine. This also came with a complete set of fashion discs, so I am going to have a lot of fun trying the different stitch combinations.

I have 8 other older Singers, and two modern machines, but this one is going with me to a quilting retreat next week. I think this machine will be my new favorite.

Ha... thanks for posting. I just found one... in pristine condition, hardly used. But all the wires, belts and rubber has disintegtrated into tropical dust.... time to rebuild. Have you tried the twin needle setup?

Hey there 9W2XYZ, I never did try any double-needle stitching with this machine - but I also have found some vintage double needles in machines! Congrats on your super find, and good luck with the restoration! I've had machines re-wired before, and although it can be a bit pricey, it is so worth it to know it's all new, solid wiring. Best - Erika

I'm so glad I found your site! I just won a 319W on eBay - beautifully refurbished and on its way now. What kind of bobbins does this take? I have found a bunch of bobbins online that reference the 319 and the 319K - do you think the 319W fits in there anywhere or is it a totally different size (and where the heck would I find them?) The machine is on its way to me and I'm sure I could look it up in the manual (thank goodness it is coming with one) once I get it, but I'm getting the weirdly-sized needles now and thought it wouldn't hurt to find some bobbins while I'm at it. Thank you!!

Hey there Taking my show on the road! Congrats on your Singer 319W! It is my understanding that the letters W or K refer to where the machine was manufactured. I am not 100% positive, but it may be that they are the same types of machines. I suggest poking around the ISMACS website, they have great information about vintage machines. Here's a quick link to a Singer model list, where it does look like all the 319 models may be similar: http://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/model-list/classes-300-399.html

The Singer 319 is a fun machine to sew on. I have the full set of cams for mine; 107 different stitches - amazing for a 1950's sewing machine!My green machine 319k has an aftermarket bobbin case that allows use of 15x1 needles without re-timing. Bought through Cindy www.annebonnyslocker.com.au I really like the large harp space these machines have 8 x 5.5 inches as I sew bulky things like sail covers. Some things I don't like:1. Short 4mm stich length. This was increased to 5mm by modifying the stich length indication cover plate. This allows full throw of the lever.2. Synthetic fiber belt - my belt is showing wear and will need replacement in the near future. Sewing parts online sell an aftermarket version for $55; no where near as expensive as a Pfaff 130 belt. I am handy so prepared to fit this myself.

I picked up a green 319 at a garage sale today for $5. It is a cabinet model that was converted to tabletop. The woman I bought it from showed me how it works and included the manual and some extra bobbins. Thanks goodness there are some great online resources (like yours) for us newbies. I need to make curtains from my camper. Now I just have to figure out how to use it. :-)

Do you know a good reputable web shop to get a belt for the handwheel? I inherited this machine from my husband grandmother in 2004. We had it cleaned for use but I didn't use it because I was scared, also I learned on a Bernina, and I housed my sisters machine for 10 years.Now I had to give my sister back her bernina. I got out this singer, which now I'm in my 30's and i have a better appreciation for old machines and more patients to learn. So far I am figuring it out, but that belt pretty much disintegrated l, so now it doesn't work again.

Hey there Anonymous, I really wish I could help you out with a recommendation for a new belt for your Singer 319, but I don't know of any shops off the top of my head. I have been ordering recently from the Singer Featherweight shop, they also carry parts for some other vintage Singer machines. They are also pretty friendly people. You might try there and if they don't have the part they may be able to help with a shop that does. https://singer-featherweight.com/ Happy stitching! - Erika